On February 2nd, 2017 Charles Dean Four Bear Sr. (Spotted Horse Man) went to be with our creator, joining late son Joray Charles Four Bear, his parents and relatives. On September 28th 1957 Charles was born to Virgil and Elenore (Comes Last) Four Bear in Poplar, MT. Charlie received his education in Poplar and graduated from Brockton High School in May of 1975. Charlie married his high school sweetheart Iris Sherman (deceased) to this union two sons Joray Charles and Melichi Four Bear were born.
Charlie also attended Montana State University receiving his heavy equipment operating license. Charlie attended United Tribes in Bismarck North Dakota starting his career in law enforcement, majoring in police science. He was also employed with the Mandan Police Department while attending school in Bismarck.
Charlie returned back to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and was employed with the Fort Peck Tribes Law Enforcement, Poplar City Police, Roosevelt County Deputy, BIA Law Enforcement, Fort Peck Fish and Game. Charlie received many law enforment awards Valor outstanding leadership (he rose through the ranks as a Police Officer, Fire Arm Instructor, Sargent, Lieutenant and Captain of the Police). Charlies name was also engraved on a plaque that was placed at the I.P.A Artisia New Mexico as a distinguished Fire Arms Expert. He was a well-known officer on the Fort Peck Reservation for exactly twenty two years. Charlie was married to Sandra Christian (divorced) and three girls were born Leslie, Kaycee, and Rande Four Bear. Charlie was then later briefly engaged to Loretta and son Cole and daughter Danielle Four Bear were born. During Charlie’s late cop years which lead him to the love of his life, Anna Mae (Powell) Four Bear “His Lady Blue”. Charlie and Anna got married on February 14th 1991. To this union daughter Jacey Gail, and two sons Charles Dean II and Deyo Virgil was born.
Charlie had a huge passion for his horses and sharing his passion with his family and friends. He later on retired from law enforcement and became employed with the Kirn Farm and Ranch. Charlie loved riding his horse (Poncho) during the Kirns brandings and cattle drives. Charlie then helped start the equine assistant therapy with Lisa Miller and HPDP Program. He started to live his dream by bringing the horses back into the culture and to our children.
In December 2015 Charlie and his horses participated in the Dakota 38+2 ride which was over 300+ mile ride and the Ft. Belknap Ft. Peck healing wellness ride. He was always proud and confident in his horses, people in the community could trust they would be safe. Other schools and surrounding areas on the reservation such as Frazer, Wolf Point, Poplar, Fort Kipp, Brockton would invite Charlie and the Four Bear horses to come teach the youth. Charlie was a teacher who knew the spirit of the horse could heal his people and many others. Through the years Charlie operated with 100+ horses on his ranch and had a natural ability to train horses.
Charlie had a big heart and a tremendous love for his family with a strong faith in God. He would have bible study with Ray Whitetail Feather (of Poplar) and Charles Nixon (deceased), in his home for many many years. Charlie also was a very very great papa to his grandchildren. He and his wife Anna, together, raised their grandchildren Kaden and Nevaeh Little Whirl Wind, Carsyn and Taryn Lonebear. Charlie was also extremely proud member of the Fort Peck Tribes. A true Hunkpapa Warrior for his clans are members and descendents of the Great Hunkpapa Shaman Sitting Bull.
We all knew Charlie as a great loving husband, father, brother, uncle, papa, and friend. When it came to children and horses there was no impossible task that he could not overcome. No matter the obstacles Charlie always had a smile on his face and many jokes to tell. He always was a hardworking man with pride and loyalty to his family.
Charlie survived by his wife Anna Mae Four Bear, his children Melichi (shelby), Leslie, Kaycee (Chevo) Samudio, Rande (Robert) Eklund, Cole, Danielle, Jacey (Tristan) Lonebear, Charles II, and Deyo. Along with his step-children, Bobby (Yvonne) Yellow Fox, Mervin and Johnathan Little Whirl Wind, Avalee (Bitsy) Horace Small. His brothers Dale and Cornell Four Bear and Dana Comeslast. Sisters Rena Williams, Noreen Four Bear, Violet Comeslast. His uncles Leroy and Daniel Comeslast.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Daniel and Rena Comeslast, parents Virgil and Elenore, brother Delvin (Davida), son Joray Charles, and niece Reanna Four Bear.
Joel Feguson says
My condolences to your family. Charlie you were my HERO. you saved my Son Grant Fergusons life at 7 months of age. For that I am ETERNALLY grateful. Heaven gained another ANGEL. FLY HIGH CHARLIE… tell Joray I said hi.. Uncle Virgil and Auntie Eleanor too. AHO MITAKUYE OYASIN…
Bob & Terry McAnally says
We are so sad to hear of Charlie’s passing. May the Creator wrap loving arms around all of his friends and family as you all move through this time of deep grieving and loss.
Geoff Hagadone says
Well Charlie I guess you rode off into the sunset riding ol’ Poncho. You touched many lives with your knowledge of the Sunka Wakan. I’m glad to have the memories we made together. Prayers for you on your journey and prayers for your family. You will be missed by many.
Mary Lou Azure says
Condolences to the family. brother charlie was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He lived for his children and grandchildren touching the hearts of many people. He left me with a wonderful memory one day last year when Ida,Lester Paul and I was out there visiting. You all have wonderful memories of him for a lifetime may they give you strength in this time of sorrow.
Mary Lou Azure says
Condolences to the family. brother charlie was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He lived for his children and grandchildren touching the hearts of many people. He left me with a wonderful memory one day last year when Ida,Lester Paul and I was out there visiting. May yout memories of Charlie give you strength in this time of sorrow.
Joe Leggett says
Sorry to hear about Charlie. He was a mentor to me and a lot of other young cops.
Donna Black Dog says
MY PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY OF CHARLIE FOUR BEAR. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM. MAY JEHOVAH GOD’S BLESSING BE WITH THE FAMILY AT THIS SAD TIME.
Jason & Nathelle Frederick says
Our condolences to the family. May God provide you comfort during this difficult time.
Lori Melotz says
Jacey, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in my prayers. Stay Strong!
Lori
David and Chong Ae Boyd says
Our prayers are will you all.
Lynsie Melotz says
Jacey, Tris and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers . Praying God brings you strength and comfort during this time. Love you guys <3
Jim oconnor says
Truly a great friend of mine. Sorry I am in the Philippines and will miss his funeral. My prayers and thoughts are there with you all.
Cissy, Cookie & Granddaughters says
Our prayers of comfort to the families of Charlie. There are no words to describe our loss but MANY MANY words to describe Heaven’s gain…May God comfort and hold your family always…
We love you Uncle/Brother/Grandpa Charlie
Rose Morsette says
Prayers for my cousin Charlies family.for he was nice and.always had a smile.no more pain and with his family on the other side.May the creator comfort his family.sorry we can’t be there.Rose& John Morsette
Wendy and Louis (Bushy) says
Anna and family, so sorry to hear of your loss! Charlie looked out for both of us when we were just starting out.
Helen Bighorn says
Prayers of comfort and strength to Charlie’s family and friends. Charlie was a man who’s commanding presents will be missed by many. The legacy he leaves us must be shared with those who never got to meet our Creator’s Warrior. “Rest In Peace Charlie and thanks for all you shared!”.
Growing Thunder Family says
Anna and Family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. It is a big loss in our community. Sending you all lots of prayers of comfort and healing. May you fly high Charlie and look after everyone your kind heart helped! Will miss you in Inipi. You were always good to our GT Tiwahe! Pidamaya
Gay & Brian Pennington says
Brother Charlie I’ll Miss seeing your smile face when I come home. You are with mom, dad, and Joray in heaven and enjoying each other companies. Anna you have my Deepest Sympathy and my prayers are there for you and the whole family and relatives. Charlie had such a BIG Heart too help everyone when they need it. I’ll miss you Charlie and God be with you Love sister Gay (Paulson)Pennington
Lisa Miller says
Prayers of comfort are pouring out to the family for the loss of your father and husband. I was blessed and felt honored to have met and worked with Charlie with the horses and children. He invited us into his home and family as if we were a part of the family. Charlie touched many hearts of the children and they have told me how much they will miss him. Charlie taught me about his culture and the spirit of the horses and how they reflect and heal the families on the Fort Peck Reservation. He taught the children what it meant to play and be loved by horses, kittens and their elders. He was a man with wisdom beyond his years and a heart of gold. I am sorry for the loss Anna for I know he was your rock. Danny, Jacey & Tristan, Charles, and Deyo all followed his dream while we worked with the horses and children. To all I believe he is still watching over you and will be there when you need him in spirit. Lisa Miller
Louella Douglas-Contreras says
My Prayers & condolences to Charlie Fourbear families.
Crystal DeCoteau says
Was so sad to hear of Charlie’s death. My children remember him as the man who taught them how to ride horses! I’ve always loved him because he was a gentle giant! my family is going to miss him but he is truly with Jesus now. Amen. Our condolescences to his family.
Jd anderson says
Charlie was a good guy kind hearted had lots of good riding together and lots of good visiting and he could really eat ha ha Rest In Peace my friend
Patt Iron Cloud says
God bless the beautiful family of my brother Charlie … Anna you are loved always by my brother..children, you will see him again..Takojapi your Grandpa is whole now. I’m so sorry for your great loss. Love to you all.
Kelly (Pinkerton) Sargent says
Thoughts and prayers to Charlie’s family. RIP old friend.
Rhoda Glenmore says
Anna, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Sending you my heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
Scott Dion says
Scott Dion
My thoughts and prayers to Charlie’s family.
RIP good friend